Sigma Designs Simplifies Z-Wave Configurations

Sigma Designs, a provider of intelligent system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for smart TV and Internet of Things (IoT) for smart home, has created Z-Wave SmartStart, a new Z-Wave protocol and Z-Wave gateway software layers, which together greatly improve installation and enable uniform out-of-the-box set-up of Z-Wave smart home devices.

Z-Wave SmartStart pre-configures devices to the network before they reach the home, dramatically reducing installation time, and thereby costs, to maximize return on investment (ROI) for installers and remove the difficulty of DIY installations for homeowners.

SmartStart simplifies installation of Z-Wave devices and solves the industry’s barriers to adoption including user error, integration complexity, and product returns due to faulty install. For service providers, SmartStart reduces the time technicians spend in each home, which is critical to maximizing ROI and reaching more customers.

With Z-Wave SmartStart, pre-configuration can enable shorter installations. Once at the home, the installer only needs to physically mount the devices and turn on the power to “magically” create the network. Uniform setup of devices across brand, application, and product type is also enabled.

“Studies have shown the primary reason that consumers return a smart home device is due to set-up difficulty. We’re removing that barrier to adoption with Z-Wave SmartStart, so that any combination of devices and brands from the Z-Wave ecosystem for an experience of consistent installation quality, using pre-configuration for instant, uniform integration, whether they’re doing it themselves or relying on the expertise of their service provider,” said Raoul Wijgergangs, vice president Z-Wave Business Unit for Sigma Designs.

Z-Wave SmartStart utilizes Z-Wave’s Security 2 (S2) framework, which provides the most advanced security for smart home devices, controllers, gateways, and hubs. S2 allows service providers to offer the most secure smart home packages available in the market today to bring consumers the peace of mind that their smart home is secure. Z-Wave’s S2 framework was developed with cybersecurity experts to equip Z-Wave devices with new levels of impenetrability. By securing communication both locally for home-based devices, and in the hub or gateway for cloud functions, S2 completely removes the risk of devices being hacked while they are included in the network. Since it is built into the protocol, manufacturers can integrate StartStart and S2 in products in an interoperable way, without needing to collaborate with other device manufacturers.